Reading the Signs: Protecting Stored Grain in Commercial and On-Farm Storage

Stored grain represents months of effort and a major investment in future profitability. Without the right protection, it’s vulnerable to the often-overlooked threat of insect infestation. Understanding the early warning signs and acting quickly with the right treatment strategy can make the difference between a healthy storage season and costly losses.

Spotting the Signs of Trouble

Insects damage grain quality, reduce weight, and trigger costly rejections. Regular inspection is key. Here’s what to look for:

• Clumping or webbing is often the first visible indicator, signaling the presence of moths or beetles. Indian meal moth larvae weave dense webbing on the top 4 to 6 inches of grain and other surfaces. Indian meal moths are also spotted by the presence of adults flying near the grain or larvae climbing nearby walls.
• A musty or “off” smell may point to insect activity or mold spurred by it. The lesser grain borer is known to leave behind dust and just the outer husk, totally consuming the internal kernel. They also can have a sweet, musty scent.
• A “shot hole” appearance in corn or grain kernels. The rice weevil, in particular, leaves holes in grain and deposits larvae inside of kernels.
• Surface movement from adult beetles and moth larvae may be visible on grain surfaces, particularly near access points.
• Heating or moisture pockets in areas of the bin. All insects produce heat and moisture, but the sawtoothed grain beetle is a prime example of activity that causes grain temperatures to increase and overheat, typically resulting in a visible population build up.
• Excess fines or dust accumulations are another major sign, providing ideal conditions for insects to thrive and hide.

Regular monitoring, core sampling, and aeration checks should be part of every operation’s routine, especially when grain is being held for extended periods.

Act Fast and Select the Right Treatment

When it comes to protecting your grain, not all insecticides are created equal. Our formulations at Central Life Sciences are designed for precision, efficiency, and long-term performance across multiple use cases. Take a look at just a few of the options the Bug Free Grains team has to offer:

Gravista® Insecticide: For operations seeking long-term protection, Gravista® Insecticide offers 3-in-1 control with an adulticide, an insect growth regulator (IGR), and a synergist. This combination not only kills labeled insects but also disrupts their life cycles for lasting results.

• On-grain, empty-bin, and perimeter* treatments
• Long-term residual control
• Water, oil, and dust-controlling oils dilutable formulation
• CODEX approved for cereal grains including wheat, corn, and rice

*Not for use in California

Gravista® is also now available in a convenient quart size making it ideal for empty-bin applications. ideal for quick, efficient coverage before grain goes in the bin.

Gravista®-D Insecticide: Offering the same proven triple-action performance in a dry formulation, Gravista®-D is a versatile choice for operations that prefer a dust option or require an alternative application method. 

Centynal™ Synergized Insecticide: When results are needed, especially for short-term storage or reactive treatments, Centynal™ Synergized Insecticide delivers knockdown power. Combining an adulticide and a synergist, it helps control even the toughest stored product insects like Indian meal moths, sawtoothed grain beetles, and lesser grain borers.

• Effective for short-term or rescue applications
• May be tank-mixed with other compatible products
• CODEX approved for cereal grains

No matter the season or grain type, maintaining a proactive stored grain protection plan is critical. Start with clean bins, inspect regularly, and respond early with a proven solution like Gravista®, Gravista®-D, or Centynal™ Synergized to stop infestations before they start.

Have questions or ready to get started with proactive protection? Visit our product page for information to help you implement a solution, or contact a representative in your area to talk through the solution that’s right for you.

Learn more by following us for tips and updates:

Facebook: Central Life Sciences – Bug Free Grains
Twitter: @bugfreegrains